WhenTrue Kinship Isn’t True Kinshipping
Being in true kinship with animals is not always as accessible or joyfully received as folx want it to be.
One of the questions I get from the true kinship community is “When I tell my friends how much I love being in true kinship with animals, they don’t get it. They think I’m just talking woo woo! Is my idea of true kinship broken?”
Answering just from the info above, I’d say the answer is no. (Of course, if you’d like to dig deeper into your own personal experience or have specific questions, set up a 1:1 consult and let’s talk.) Here’s why:
True kinship with animals is not a part of a prescribed system valued by a colonized society. It is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Rather it is different things to different people at different times. That in itself is sometimes enough to break a person’s brain.
True kinship with animals is a service to the world that offers a vision and perspective for the future, not one that is marooned in the present.
Our relationship with animals has changed enormously over the years. Paraphrasing what Nathan Winograd attorney, journalist, animal advocate, and the Executive Director of The No Kill Advocacy Center once said - our relationship with animals has moved from the backyard, to the bedroom, on to the boardroom.
That’s huge!
AND
People are where they are on that road of change, all in different places.
Some folx have unsupportive or even obstructive family and friends and are doing what they can while surrounded by that demoralizing community
For some folx it is a ginormous change to no longer consider their relationship with an animal family member as owner and pet, or to recognize an animal’s agency by no longer using possessive pronouns, ie ‘my dog’
Some folx believe true kinship is ludicrous and folx practicing it are foolish or are practicing woo woo
When you find your true kinship isn’t true kinshipping, of course, examine your practice and see if there are any places where tweaks or change is needed. (For individual support and help set up a 1:1 consult and let’s talk.) But also keep in mind that sometimes people can only take in so much. What may seem a typical dose of true kinship for you might be an overdose for those who aren’t ready to take it in, or are just hearing about it.
For now, true kinship is how you participate, not how others receive. If it helps to know, it won’t always be like this. Every little bit of true kinship makes a difference.
In Reciprocity
This blog energetically and freely gives so that we see animals with different eyes, relate to them through a new place of understanding and reimagine a new way to be with them.
If you are called to contribute in financial reciprocity click here. For moral support and to cheer me on, contact me. They are both welcomed! Thank you!
(Reciprocity is always optional.)
